Beside of the sphagnum moss and bark, what kind of
the substrate could be selected for the growing of Phalaenopsis?

Because of the excellent performance of the water
(and nutrient) holding capacity, sphagnum moss still be the best
substrates for the Orchids plantlets just taken out from the flasks. The
others substrates could be adopted for growing of Phalaenopsis.

Each substrate has its special physical properties.
The mixing of several kinds of substrates is an effective way to obtain
the mixture substrates. For example, 90％
of the coarse particle, 10％
of the fine particle and adding of Ca and Mg fertilizer.

A practical case was illustrated as follows: The
coconut fiber was the popular substrate in Brazil.

As the younger plants of Phalaenopsis were
transplanted into the 2.5" pot filled with this course coconut fiber,
the leaf and root development was in a bad condition (Figure 1 and 2).
The physical properties of this substrate are listed in Table 1. This
substrate had the good air exchange ability. However, the water (and
nutrient) holding capacity was so poor.

This substrate was mixed with the others materials,
included the fine local coconut fibers, sphagnum moss cute into pieces,
perlite and some fertilizer particles contained Calcium and Magnesium.
The ratio of each substrate for the mixtures was calculated from the
data of physical properties.

At the same growing environment and same variety, the
growth condition of Phalaenopsis was in good condition. The
development of roots and leaves were satisfied with grower (Figure 3 and
4).

This case illustrated the importance of the
determination of physical properties of substrates. As the physical
properties were quantified, the adequate ratio of each substrate is
easily to calculate. The mixtures of substrates then were produced.

Table 1. The physical
properties of some Substrates

Substrates

PC

Pot Capacity

MC

Moisture Content

WA

Water Adsorb

TP

Total Porosity

AS

Air Space

Coarse coconut fiber

11.1

69.6

0.61

92.2

81.2

Mixture coconut fiber

19.8

69.4

2.88

84.6

70.8

1A.

1B

Figure 1. Phalaenopsis
were transplanted into the 2.5" pot filled with this course
coconut fiber

2A

2B

Figure 2. Phalaenopsis
were transplanted into the 2.5" pot filled with this mixture
substrate